The Tropic of Serpents, Marie Brennan
The Tropic of Serpents, Marie Brennan
2 Rating(s)
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The Tropic of Serpents
A Memoir by Lady Trent

Author: Marie Brennan

Narrator: Kate Reading

Unabridged: 10 hr 39 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/04/2014


Synopsis

The thrilling adventure of Lady Trent continues in Marie Brennan's Tropic of Serpents . . .

Attentive readers of Lady Trent's earlier memoir, A Natural History of Dragons, are already familiar with how a bookish and determined young woman named Isabella first set out on the historic course that would one day lead her to becoming the world's premier dragon naturalist. Now, in this remarkably candid second volume, Lady Trent looks back at the next stage of her illustrious (and occasionally scandalous) career.

Three years after her fateful journeys through the forbidding mountains of Vystrana, Mrs. Camherst defies family and convention to embark on an expedition to the war-torn continent of Eriga, home of such exotic draconian species as the grass-dwelling snakes of the savannah, arboreal tree snakes, and, most elusive of all, the legendary swamp-wyrms of the tropics.

The expedition is not an easy one. Accompanied by both an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave oppressive heat, merciless fevers, palace intrigues, gossip, and other hazards in order to satisfy her boundless fascination with all things draconian, even if it means venturing deep into the forbidden jungle known as the Green Hell . . . where her courage, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity will be tested as never before.

About Marie Brennan

Marie Brennan is Professor of Education at Victoria University, Australia, and a former Dean of Education at the University of South Australia. She is currently leading the final year of a major Australian Research Council grant (LP100200499) Renewing the teaching profession in regional areas through community partnerships and participating in the Australian study of the Work of Teacher Educators (WOTE).

About Kate Reading

Kate Reading is the recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and has been named by AudioFile magazine as a “Voice of the Century,” as well as the Best Voice in Science Fiction & Fantasy in 2008 and 2009 and Best Voice in Biography & Culture in 2010. She has narrated works by such authors as Jane Austen, Robert Jordan, Edith Wharton, and Sophie Kinsella. Reading has performed at numerous theaters in Washington D.C. and received a Helen Hayes Award for her performance in Aunt Dan and Lemon. AudioFile magazine reports that, "With subtle control of characters and sense of pacing, Kate’s performances are a consistent pleasure."


Reviews

Goodreads review by Miranda

I wanted only to study dragons, but first I had to get past the humans...Three years ago, Lady Trent was finally granted the ability to study dragons in the field. She had a wonderful set of adventureswith her husband in Vystranna and made many discoveries to push the bounds of knowledge regardin......more

Goodreads review by Chantal

It feels like a betrayal to give this book so low a rating, when I loved the first one so much - but rate low I must. The main problem is, there is not enough about dragons. Instead, there is A LOT about foreign politics, and A LOT of names. And, quite frankly, I didn't give a damn about any of it. S......more

Goodreads review by Bradley

The continuation of the Lady Naturalist by way of her memoir progresses as one might expect: a brief, lightning-fast 3-year recovery back at home and then the announcement of another trip to study DRAGONS. This time, in the jungle. The tropics. For the most part, I enjoyed the tale on the same level......more

Goodreads review by Diamond

This is a pretty good book about the study of dragons. I enjoyed reading it.......more


Quotes

“This, the second of Isabella's retrospective memoirs, is as uncompromisingly honest and forthright as the first, narrated in Brennan's usual crisp, vivid style, with a heroine at once admirable, formidable and captivating. Reader, lose no time in making Isabella's acquaintance.” —Kirkus, starred review

“Saturated with the joy and urgency of discovery and scientific curiosity.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review on A Natural History of Dragons

“If you've ever secretly wished dragons were real, this story is for you. Fans of Naomi Novik and Mary Robinette Kowal will especially enjoy this book.” —RT Book Reviews on A Natural History of Dragons

“Her Ladyship is a determined and canny woman in search of dragons--I wholeheartedly approve!” —Melanie Rawn, bestselling author of Touchstone, on A Natural History of Dragons


Awards

  • NPR Best Book of the Year